Welcome to the Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA) and Winnipeg Humane Society (WHS) Spay & Neuter Initiative webpage. Our mission is to make spay and neuter services accessible to all pet owners in Manitoba. By reducing pet overpopulation and supporting pet health, we’re building a stronger, more compassionate community. Explore our resources below to learn more about spaying and neutering and how you can support your pets’ health.
Spay & Neuter Frequently Asked Questions
What is spaying or neutering?
Spaying (for females) and neutering (for males) are routine surgeries that prevent pets from reproducing. Spaying involves removing a female’s ovaries, while neutering involves removing a male’s testicles.
Why should I spay or neuter my pet?
Spaying and neutering offers several benefits to your pet and other animals:
- Helps Control the Pet Population
- Reduces the number of unplanned litters, which means fewer animals that need feeding, vaccinations, homes, or emergency care.
- Animal shelters and rescues are often overcrowded, making population control crucial for the well-being of animals and shelter resources.
- Fewer stray animals can lower the spread of diseases.
- Increases Lifespan
- Lowers cancer and disease risk:
- Males: Reduces the risk of prostate disease and eliminates the chance of testicular cancer.
- Females: Prevents uterine infections (pyometra) and reduces the risk of ovarian, uterine, and breast cancers (especially when spayed before the first heat).
- Reduces roaming risks: Pets are less likely to wander, which means a lower chance of getting hit by cars, encountering aggressive animals, or getting lost.
- Decreases problem behaviours:
- Males: Reduces territorial behaviours (like spraying) and sexual behaviors such as chasing females or humping.
- Females: Prevents the release of pheromones, making them less attractive to male dogs.
- Provides a Comprehensive Health Check
- Allows the vet to assess your pet’s overall health and address any concerns you may have.
- Provides an opportunity for pets to receive important vaccinations, such as DA2PP for dogs, FVRCP for cats, and rabies vaccines for both.
- Makes Identification Easier
- Every pet that is spayed or neutered gets a tattoo for identification, which helps reunite lost pets with their owners and indicates that the animal has been fixed.
At what age should I spay or neuter my pet?
The ideal window is between 3-6 months. It’s best to spay or neuter before females go into their first heat as this reduces the risk of unwanted male attention from pheromones, as well as reduces the risk of ovarian cancers and eliminates the risk of breast cancers. For males, the benefits are largely behavioral – reduced humping, roaming, female-seeking- and also reduces risks of cancers.
Surgery done outside of this range will still have the same benefits, but this range is ideal.
Is surgery safe for my pet?
Spaying and neutering are common procedures with low risks. While any surgery carries some risk, the benefits typically outweigh the potential complications.
How does the surgery work?
When you bring your animal in for a spay or neuter, the veterinary team will give your pet a full examination to ensure they are healthy enough to undergo surgery.
Once your pet is cleared for surgery, they will receive a sedative injection to make them sleepy. After waiting for them to fall asleep we move them to the surgery table where they are prepped for surgery. Prepping your cat or dog includes putting a breathing tube in, putting them on their backs, shaving the area for surgery (in females it’s their lower belly, in males, it’s their testicles), removing any excess hair, and sterilizing the area.
The surgery includes making a small incision or opening to retrieve the reproductive organs, removing them, and then stitching the animals back up.
While your pet is still asleep, their vaccines are updated (if needed) to protect them from preventable diseases like parvo and distemper.
Resources
Spay & Neuter Fact Sheet
Spay & Neuter Brochure
Our fact sheet and brochure provide quick reference guides on the benefits of spaying/neutering, what to expect, and tips for preparing your pet for surgery.
Find Clinics Offering Spay & Neuter Services
We’ve partnered with clinics across Manitoba that offer spay and neuter services at special rates. Use our interactive map to locate a clinic near you. If you are a clinic that would like to be added to this map, please email michelle@mvma.ca.